taking the exam

USAGE SUMMARY

"taking the exam" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of participating in a test or examination. Here is an example of how it might be used: Mary was feeling nervous about taking the exam, but she had studied hard and was determined to do well.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I was quite relaxed about taking the exam.

The Guardian

Historically, about 75percentt of those taking the exam pass.

The New York Times

Seven years after taking the exam, he joined the Fire Department of New York.

The New York Times

New York State is increasing the academic requirements for taking the exam.

The New York Times

Of 3,422 seniors and graduate students taking the exam, 3,137 passed.

The New York Times

Still, their scores were in the bottom 25percentto32percentcent of all students taking the exam.

The New York Times

She realized looking around that room that she was one of just a handful of women taking the exam.

The Guardian

In all, 35percentt of those taking the exam would be the first in their family to attend college.

The New York Times

But first you must pass an exam, and taking the exam costs money, and Lila's family is marginally poorer than Lena's.

The New Yorker

He added that one should expect a lower pass rate from the 17-year-olds because of the calibre of student who was taking the exam.

Independent

Madeleine was taking the exam, too, but she didn't have to do so well on it, because her parents could pay.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing formal assessments, using "taking the exam" provides a clear and concise way to describe the act of participating in the test. Ensure that the context supports this straightforward phrasing.

Common error

Avoid using overly casual synonyms like "acing the exam" in formal reports or academic papers. Stick to neutral and precise language like "taking the exam" to maintain professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking the exam" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It commonly serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing the action of participating in an examination. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "taking the exam" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase across various contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a gerund phrase, typically describing the action of participating in an examination. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal settings. The phrase is frequently found in "News & Media", "Science", and "Wiki" sources. For greater formality, consider alternatives such as "sitting the examination". Be mindful of the context to ensure appropriate usage, avoiding overly casual synonyms in formal reports. By understanding these nuances, you can confidently use "taking the exam" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sitting for the exam

Focuses on the physical act of being present during the exam.

sitting the examination

A more formal way to say "taking the exam".

undertaking the exam

Emphasizes the action and responsibility involved.

appearing for the exam

Focuses on the act of showing up to take the test.

attempting the exam

Highlights the effort involved in trying to pass the exam.

writing the exam

Highlights the action of answering the questions.

completing the exam

Highlights finishing the exam.

doing the exam

A simpler, less formal way to express the action.

tackling the exam

Emphasizes the challenge presented by the examination.

facing the exam

Highlights the anticipation of confronting the exam.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "taking the exam"?

You can use alternatives like "sitting for the exam", "undertaking the exam", or "appearing for the exam" depending on the context.

Is "taking the exam" formal or informal?

The phrase "taking the exam" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for highly formal situations, "sitting the examination" may be more appropriate.

How to use "taking the exam" in a sentence?

You can use "taking the exam" in a sentence like: "Students are required to study diligently before "taking the exam"", or "She was nervous about "taking the exam", but she had prepared well."

What's the difference between "taking the exam" and "passing the exam"?

"Taking the exam" refers to the act of participating in the test, while "passing the exam" means successfully completing it. You can "take the exam" but not pass it.